Destroyer USS Mason (DDG-87)

	DESTROYER USS MASON (DDG-87) Country:United States

Official blazon
English	SHIELD: Argent two chevronels Gules between two lion’s heads respectant erased Azure and a demi-trident Proper. CREST: Upon a helm superimposed on a United States Naval Officer’s sword and a cutlass saltirewise points down Proper and rising from a wreath Argent and Gules, a laurel wreath Proper, overall a fouled anchor Azure interlaced with a cross paty Or. SUPPORTERS AND MOTTO: A scroll Argent edged Gules doubled Azure, inscribed “PROUDLY WE SERVE” of the like interlaced by two laurel branches superimposed at crosspoint by a shamrock Proper. This motto is given by the African American Sailors of DE 529 who sailed in her during World War II and made history with their selfless bravery in the defense of our country. SEAL: The coat of arms as blazoned in full color upon a white oval enclosed by a dark blue collar edged on the outside with a gold rope and bearing the inscription “USS MASON” at top and “DDG 87” in base all in gold.

Origin/meaning

SHIELD: Dark blue and gold are the colors traditionally used by the Navy; red, white and blue are our national colors. The two chevrons commemorate DD 191 and DE 529, the two previous ships named “USS MASON.” The opposing lions, which are adapted from the Mason Family Coat of Arms, represent the World War II Pacific and Atlantic campaigns. The left facing lion symbolizes the service and sacrifice of Ensign Newton Henry Mason in the Battle of the Coral Sea. The right facing lion symbolizes the crew’s courageous actions in the North Atlantic during Convoy NY 119 in the ship bearing Ensign Mason’s name. The trident, symbol of sea prowess, symbolizes DDG 87’s modern warfare capabilities: The Aegis Weapons System, Theater Ballistic Missile Defense and Cooperative Engagement Capability.
CREST: The helm symbolizes a strong defense and the projection of power. The anchor refers to John Young Mason, namesake of DD 191 who was Secretary of the Navy under Presidents John Tyler and James K. Polk. The cross alludes to the Distinguished Flying Cross awarded to Newton Henry Mason. The wreath denotes the many awards, honors and achievements of the previous ships named MASON and the crews who served them.
SUPPORTERS: Laurel is emblematic of honor and high achievement of the African American crew of DE 529 and marks their selfless contribution to the eventual desegregation of the Navy. The shamrock is symbolic of their good fortune during arduous operations in the North Atlantic and the warm Irish welcome afforded them on their port visit to Northern Ireland.

Literature: Image from Wikimedia Commons.

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